Here’s how you can fill in the blanks using the words provided:

1. The smoke alarm **shut** when his friend **put** a cigarette underneath it.
2. Just as I **came** into the bath, all the lights **went** off.
3. When I **was** in London, I **spent** three hours a day traveling to and from work.
4. She **added** more salt to the soup, and then it **tasted** much better.
5. Peter **broke** his leg while he **was skiing** in Switzerland.
6. When the taxi **came**, I **put** my suitcase on the back seat.
7. A friendly American couple **was chatting** with him as he **arrived** at the hotel reception.
8. I bumped into Mary last week. She **looked** a lot better than when I **last saw** her.
9. It was an amazing coincidence. Just as I **was talking** to Anne, she **called** to come and see me.
10. She **shut** the windows as soon as it **started** to rain.
11. My boss **walked** into the office just as I **was showing** everyone my holiday photos.
12. She **took** the cake out of the oven and **put** it carefully on the table.
13. When his mother **saw** Steve **running** in the other direction, Steve **ran** away quietly.
14. She **opened** the door and **walked** into the room.
15. I can't remember how to answer this question. I must confess that I **wasn't listening** while the teacher **was explaining** it to us.

Let me know if you need any more help!